creature feature

I think this is a ferret

So I have been researching the difference between pole cats and ferrets in an attempt to identify the the long black creatures that slink around the perimeter of the school yard and under cars parked on the streets.  I have a Canadian coworker who has spotted one on her balcony on multiple occasions. She has not been taken by the same zoological curiosity immediately deciding that regardless of the species or genus of the thing, it is definitely from a family of animals that would be difficult to evict once inside your apartment. She sleeps in the heat with her shutters firmly closed.

This guy is eating breakfast on the corner
every morning when I am heading to work.

Apart from these creepy little suckers there is very little variety to the wild life here.  Feral cats, wild dogs, feral cats, pigeons, feral cats and a bird that Wikipedia informs me is a kingfisher- although much more shy and ugly than its Indian cousin. I have tried unsuccessfully to take its picture on my walk to work in the morning.  It seems that it really is true that nobody in this country wants their picture taken.

The most interesting selection of animals to be found is actually in the market. These critters are not wild.  In fact, it is unclear why they never think to make a break for it. The animals purchased by foreigners as pets last year, on the other hand, all inexplicably disappeared during weekends and holidays.  The local hire staff responsible for caring for them also claimed to be bewildered by the mystery. The sensory garden is pet free this year.

Perhaps avoiding eye contact is an actual strategy.

There are also chicken, ducks and turkeys.